Poker room at Fisher Hall shut down because of violations

FLINT, Michigan — The poker room at a Flint gaming hall was shutdown by authorities today because it allegedly overcharged charities for the use of the room, according to the Michigan Lottery.

The Fisher Hall Bingo and Poker Room, 4501 Van Slyke Ave., Flint, will be closed indefinitely because of violations of law enforced by the Michigan Lottery's Charitable Gaming Division, the Lottery said.

Owner Henry Tannenbaum said in a brief interview this morning that the hall never did anything wrong.

"We were making hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity," he said, adding that he would comment more later today.

The violations were uncovered after complaints were registered with the division. The eight-month long investigation uncovered "a scheme" where the hall charged the charities more for the use of the poker room that what is allowed by charitable gaming guidelines, according to the Lottery's press release.

There was a settlement agreement with the Bureau of State Lottery in which the location agreed to close the poker room hall. It also includes fines.

The poker room hosted 140 licensed millionaire parties in 2009 and has been in operation since 2004, according to the Lottery.